MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Elizabeth Escuadro and Nathaniel McClain both

chose to write to Patricia Reilly Giff . Mrs.

Botteicher introduced her book, Pictures of

Hollis Woods to her classes which struck a cord

with Elizabeth and Nathaniel. Both students

write about how they relate to the main

character Hollis. Elizabeth writes, “I always

though I was unusual, just plain, old, downright

weird because nobody looked beyond my

outside personality”, but in her reading she

realizes that she is not the only one who seems

different. Nathaniel writes, “ I just wanted to

say thank you. Thank you for opening my eyes.

Thank you for letting me know in words that I

am not a mountain of trouble. And most

importantly, thank you for giving me wings”.

Congratulations Maxwell, Nathaniel and

Elizabeth, and thank you Mrs. Botteicher for

encouraging your students to participate in this

program.

Educationally,

Mrs. Luffy

PROMOTION POLICIES Students who successfully pass all major subjects will be promoted to the next grade. Students who fail at least two major subjects must take remediation for them in our summer school program. Students who do not attend summer school will be retained. A student who fails the same subject two years in a row must take remediation in order to be promoted to the next grade.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer School will be an on-line format. When a student fails a full year course with a grade of F, a remedial course must be taken or next year repeated.

Volume 9 Issue 8 May 2015

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PRINCIPALS MESSAGE

Center For The Book

In The Library Of Congress

Starting in 1984, the Center for the Book in the

Library began to establish affiliated centers in

the 50 states. Today, there is a State Center for

the Book in all 50 states, as well as the District

of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These

Center for the Book affiliates carry out the

nation Center’s mission in their local areas,

sponsor programs that highlight their area’s

literary heritage and call attention to the

importance of books, reading, literacy, and

libraries. More than 50,000 young readers from

across the country participated in this year’s

Letters About Literature initiative. Students

were asked to write to an author (living or

deceased) about how his or her book affected

their lives. Winners come from all parts of the

country and wrote to authors as diverse as

Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House in the Big

Woods”, Amy Tan “The Joy Luck Club” and

J.R.R. Tolkien “The Hobbit”.

Maxwell Brenneman has won the Level I

Letters About Literature contest for his letter

about the Magician's Nephew! His letter was

sent on to the National Contest. So exciting! :-)

Max wrote to C.S. Lewis after reading The

Magician’s Nephew. “The Night I started

reading I thought this book was like every other

chapter book: boring. But as I read further, the

story came alive. I was sucked from the boring

farm in Kansas to the magical land of Oz”.

This year we also have two honorable mention

winners in the Level I completion of the Letters

About Literature contest.

Reading is a HOOT!

By: Miss Webb

Pancakes and burrows and owls – oh my!

Shockingly enough, the final marking period of the

school year is already upon us, and the 7 Bears have

been very busy in Reading class. During this last nine

weeks, we have begun reading “Hoot” by Carl

Hiaasen, and our novel exploration has led us into dis-

cussion about the motifs and conflicts and different

character types present in the book. The values of an

environmentalist attitude, the many meanings of cour-

age, and some silly middle-school humor involving an-

tics at a new pancake house combine seamlessly as the

book weaves in and out of the protagonist’s struggles

and triumphs. As we progress towards the end of the

year, my students will continue to study a variety of

literary topics, and they will even have the chance to

enjoy some cinematic magic as we watch the film ver-

sion together in class. As always, there will be extra

credit opportunities for the kids to take advantage of

before those report cards come out, and I am excited to

see them soar to great heights like the owls in our new

novel. These soon-to-be eighth-graders are undoubtedly

looking forward to a successful end to the year before

becoming the big kids on campus. Feel free to chat

with your child about what they are learning in Reading

class; an open dialogue can help students take owner-

ship over their academic achievements. There’s never a

bad time for a good book – happy reading!

Page 2 Volume 9, Issue 7

HAMS Jazz Band

By: Mrs. Canner

The HAMS Jazz Band has been busy rehearsing after school on

Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00pm. These dedicated groups of 20 students

flood the hallways with a variety of

jazz selections including Chame-

leon, Chase the Clouds Away, and

On Broadway. These musicians

have the opportunity to create music

in a style other than that typically

heard in a band setting. In doing so,

many of the jazz band members try

improvising, where they might solo

and show their creative musical

skills. The HAMS Jazz Band hopes

to perform at a number of places in the community this spring. Keep

up the good work and the sweet sounds!

Junior High County Band

Congratulations are in order for 15 seventh and eighth grade musi-

cians! These musicians participated in Junior High County Band on

March 30th and 31st at Juniata Valley Jr./Sr. High School. They,

along with other musicians from Mount Union, Southern Huntingdon

and Juniata Valley put on a wonderful concert! To prepare, these

musicians rehearsed with Mrs. Canner after school on alternating

Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm so they were prepared

and well rehearsed! Great job! Keep up the good work!

Other inportant Dates for the HAMS Music Department:

Thursday, May 7th HAMS Spring Concert– 7:00pm – HS Auditorium

Saturday, May 9th – Music in the Parks – Hershey, PA

Wednesday, May 27th- Jazz Night – 7:00pm – HS Auditorium

Isabel Kruse, Connor Heath, Adam Campbell, Frank Hawbaker,

Kelly Ardrey, Sean McLaughlin, Andrew Buonaccorsi, Duncan

Wentzel, Patrick Sweet, Jack Hosler, Jake Tanner, Nick Nazari,

Amber Newell, Addisyn Bracco, Lindsey Scialabba

Middle School Technology Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

(STEM)

By: Mr. Rakar

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will be in the technology education class this year. STEM is the newest curriculum being used in the technology education classroom because of the integration of core content areas. Students at each grade level are assigned different projects that they work on and present to their class.

What is Science Technology Engineering and Math

(STEM)?

STEM focuses on students’ engagement and skills from the earliest grades in science, math and technology to help foster interest for their later school years and careers. The ultimate goal is to grow the proficiency level of students in sciences and mathematics.

Our Work-In the final 9 week marking period at Huntingdon Area Middle School, we will be starting a new project at each grade level.

6th grade students will be working on designing their very own skate park. Students will act as industrial engineers and design and implement a skate park into the constraints of an existing city park.

7/8th grade will be acting as architectural design engineers by designing and implementing a new play area for a fast food restaurant. We will use “Burger Queen” to not infringe on any rights of existing establishments. Students are responsible for the design, construction, and cost plans for this project.

8th grade students will be working as if they were engineers in the energy business. Each group will have to research and design a wind mill farm. The students will determine the best place in the United States to place their wind mill farm. Then the students will have to conducts tests to prove their decision. Students will have to originate an introduction plan to address the concerns with building a wind mill farm.

Exercise!!!!

By: Mrs. Felton

School Nurse

Benefits:

*Lower your risk of heart disease

*Maintain a healthy weight

*Reduce or control blood pressure

*Raise HDL(good cholesterol)

*Reduce your risk of diabetes and some cancer

*Sleep better

*Have more energy

If you need to lower your blood pressure or

cholesterol, aim for an average of 40 minutes of

moderate to vigorous aerobic activity 3 or 4 times per

week.

Kids should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to

vigorous activity every day.

30 mins. a day, 5 times a week is an easy goal to

remember. You will benefit even if you divide your

time into 2 or 3 sessions per day of 10 to 15 mins.

You may not be able to achieve this goal right away.

But remember, something is always better than

nothing!

Today is the day to make healthy changes in your

life!

Volume 9, Issue 7 Page 3

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Page 4

Tuck Everlasting

By: Mrs. Sellers

If you could take a drink of magic water that would

let you live forever, would you drink it?

That is the question the 6th graders are writing about

in ELA before reading the novel Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt. Some students knew their an-

swer right away and some changed their minds after

talking with their classmates.

Tuck Everlasting is a fantasy story that takes place

in the everyday world. It “explores a serious ques-

tion about life and how it should be lived”. Babbitt’s

writing is full of foreshadowing and figurative lan-

guage, which the students are very familiar with.

During the story the students will be completing ac-

tivities such as making a wanted poster, designing a

persuasive advertisement for magic water, and writ-

ing a letter to “Dear Abby”. They will also have

choices of projects to complete at the end of the

novel.

When we finish, I’ll be asking the students again: Is

eternal life a blessing or a curse?

Fitness Testing

By: Mr. Carlson

We have finished our second round of fitness

testing for the year, and, for the first time, we have

digitally recorded the results of the tests. It will be

interesting to see how some of the students’ times

and numbers have improved from the beginning of

the year to the end. If you still haven’t passed all of

the tests, there is still time! Some students are really

close to getting the fitness award at the end of the

year. If they want to retest, just let Mrs. Schneider

and I know. We want to get as many students as

possible. Have a great end of the year!!

Tasty Tidbits You and Yogurt Parfaits

By: Mrs. McNitt, Food Service Directo

An 8-ounce carton of low-fat yogurt provides 448

milligrams of calcium and about 13 grams of protein.

Low-fat yogurt has about 4 grams fat per 8-ounce

serving. Plain yogurt is a healthier choice than fla-

vored yogurts because often it is much lower in

sugar, usually by about half the amount. While yogurt

makes up the largest portion of a yogurt parfait, a yo-

gurt parfait is served with layers of several ingredi-

ents. Popular add-ins for a parfait include fruit and

granola. If you enjoy yogurt parfaits, a healthy parfait

depends on the add-ins you select. Paying attention to

what is in your yogurt parfait will allow a good tast-

ing healthy choice. Recipes for yogurt parfaits that

include some type of fruit will increase your intake of

important ingredients like potassium and vitamin C.

Granola, a common choice for an addition to a yogurt

parfait, should be one loaded with fiber but low in fat

and sugar. Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries

will also add taste and nutrition to a parfait. Be aware

of unhealthy ingredients that are often added to a yo-

gurt parfait that can decrease the nutritional benefit of

your parfait. Chocolate chips, crushed cookies and

candy sprinkles can increase the fat and sugar content

of a yogurt parfait and take away the healthfulness of

your parfait.

Volunteer?

By: Mrs. Miller

Any eighth grade student who aspires to enter a

medical profession or become an administrative as-

sistant should obtain an application to serve as a vol-

unteer at JC Blair Memorial Hospital for summer

months or weekends. Applicants can specify interest

in patient care or office related skills. Students must

be 14 years of age and have another individual com-

plete a reference form. Applications are located in

the office. Young people are encouraged to gain ex-

perience that can be valuable when applying to insti-

tutions of higher learning.

New Look for a Great Cause

By: Mr. Uhrich

Huntingdon Area Middle School students and staff had the

privilege and honor on Monday, April 6, to be a part of a very

exciting event for a very worthy cause. To show support for

sixth-grade Science teacher, Mrs. Brown, who was diagnosed

with breast cancer earlier this year or students and staff

shaved their heads, received mohawks and got their hair

sprayed bright pink during the Cut N’ Color for Cancer

Event.

The cutting and coloring took place in the LGR during

students’ Enrichment periods. Local stylists from Untangled,

Desert Garden Day Spa and Shear Impressions provided the

styling all day while graciously coming in on their day off.

While students anxiously awaited their new looks, they had

the opportunity to fill out posters with words of

encouragement for Mrs. Brown or to honor/memorialize

someone they knew who has been affected by cancer. The

posters were later placed in the school cafeteria.

The grand finale of the event was a school assembly where

students and staff got the chance to see Mrs. Brown and

recognize and honor her on this special day. She was present

with some of her family members.

During the assembly, all individuals who participated or

donated to the cause were recognized. All volunteers were

thanked and the total money raised – approximately

$2,500.00 which will be going to help with Mrs. Brown’s

expenses related to her trips back and forth to Pittsburgh for

treatments and also towards cancer research was announced.

Penn State women’s basketball coach, Coquese Washington,

who was unavailable to attend the event, has graciously

autographed a basketball, which will later be presented to

Mrs. Brown. Washington has been very instrumental in

propelling the Pink Zone event and is also an outspoken

supporter of the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. Mrs.

Brown then took a few moments to show her appreciation

and overwhelming support and promised all students they

would be seeing her back here next year.

Brown then headed to the gymnasium for a final picture with

all students and staff who participated in this wonderful

event.

Volume 9, Issue 7 Page 5

HAMS

2500 Cassady Avenue

Huntingdon, PA 16652

(814)-)-643-2900

Website: www.huntsd.org

Fax: (814)-643-6513

LOST AND FOUND There are MANY items in the lost and

found. If your child is missing anything from

clothing to books to lunch boxes, please have

them look in the lost and found. This is located in

the cafeteria on the back table. If the items are

not claimed by the end of the school year, they

are donated to the Salvation Army.

Additionally, we do not keep any items left

at school from a previous year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Page 6

EVENTS AT H.A.M.S

May 4- PSSA Make-ups

May 7– 6 BEARCATS to Altoona Curve

Middle School Spring Concert-

HS 7:00 pm

May 8 - 7 CATS field trip to Pittsburgh

May 11- School Board Work Session

6:30 pm

May 13- 7 BEARS to Altoona Curve

May 18- School Board Mtg. 6:30 pm

May 21- 8 CATS to Philadelphia

May 22- 8th Grade Party

May 25- Memorial Day/No School

June 1- 1/2 day of school

June 2- 1/2 day of school

Electronic/Mechanical Devices

The unauthorized possession and/or use of any type of electronic or mechanical device, which dis-tracts or impedes the educational process is against policy. The following are examples of such but are not limited to: Cell phones, iPods, cameras, hand held video game systems, tablets and other internet capable devices. Electronic devices are NOT TO BE TURNED ON DURING SCHOOL HOURS. If a device is out without permission it will be confis-cated. First offense-the student may pick it up after school. Any offense following will require a par-ent/guardian to pick up the device and a Level I Dis-cipline Offense will be assigned. Additionally, we ask that parents DO NOT TEXT or CALL their child’s cell phone. If you need to get a message to your child, please call the school office and we will get a message to them.

School Closings can happen at any time.

With this in mind, please make arrange-

ments with and for your child before

they happen. Planning ahead helps

lessen your child’s anxieties regarding

what they are to do and if their parents

know. Also, calling the school ties up

the phone lines which may be needed in

case there is an emergency.

Thank you for helping assist your child

when there is a change in the regular

school day.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Page 7

6th Grade Art

By: Mrs. Woomer

In the world of middle school art, our sixth

graders have finished their color wheel designs. We

practiced color mixing using only the primary colors

red, yellow, and blue to create the three secondary col-

ors, violet, green, and orange, and subsequently the six

intermediate colors. Students used their personal crea-

tivity to design an interesting and unique shape that

would then reflect each of the twelve colors. See some

examples below.

Currently, we are getting inspired by installa-

tion art and coral reef environments. Students have

chosen to work solo, with a partner, or in a small

group to create three-dimensional sea creatures that

will be displayed in the art room as a class-wide in-

stallation artwork.

A New Perspective for the 8 Bears

By: Mr. Buterbaugh

On Friday, April 10, the students and faculty of

HAMS were joined by classmates, members of the local

community, and representatives from Juniata College and

the Grier School to participate in a day showcasing

global perspectives. Organized by Mrs. Linda Miller,

school counselor, this day was an incredible opportunity

for students to see and indulge in other cultures that they

might otherwise never get a chance to experience.

Spanning the globe for Mexico to Russia, Japan to

Israel, and France to Thailand, representatives from these

countries and cultures gave students a 20 minute glimpse

into how life operated outside of our town, state and

country. Some presenters focused on geography and lan-

guage, while others targeted how their music and cuisine

have impacted their cultural identity. Throughout the

day, students continued talking about the details, no mat-

ter how big or small, from the day’s events.

The conversations that the students held after their

cultural enlightenment meant a lot to mewhen they

started incorporating elements that we had learned in

class throughout the year. I always enter each school

year with a strong emphasis on cultural and religious tol-

erance. We cover everything from European explorers

and their contract with foreign lands to the American

Revolution and the repercussions that it held for colonists

as well American Indians. I love to hear a student begin

a conversation with, “ I remember when we talked about

France in class!” or “That makes so much sense with

what Mr. B was saying about Mexico!” It lets me know

that students are listening to discussions pertaining to

different cultures and historical events. When students

begin connecting the dots outside of class, it assures me

that they truly are gaining a global perspective.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Page 8

Coming to Huntingdon Middle School!

The Huntingdon Area Middle School is having a Book Fair, May 26 through May 29! This Book Fair will be a BOGO (buy one get one free)! This is a great oppor-tunity for students to begin a summer full of reading and fun.

Students will have the opportunity to at-tend the Book Fair during Enrichment classes. An evening parent event will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 5 to 7pm: follow signs to the library! Please stop in and take a look!

All proceeds generated from the Book Fair will benefit our very own Middle School Library. We will have teacher wish lists available for enhancement of our classroom libraries.

Middle Years

Being in school all day, every day, helps your child get

the most out of middle school. Encourage good atten-

dance with these ideas:

Point out that there is no substitute for being in class.

Your youngster needs to be present to hear teachers

explain concepts, to participate in group projects and

class discussions, and to ask questions.

Schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appoint-

ments for before or after school hours whenever pos-

sible. If you can’t, try to arrange them for lunchtime.

It will be easier for your child to get up early on time

for school if he has had at least nine hours of sleep.

Set a reasonable bedtime, and make sure he puts

away electronic devices so they are not tempted to

stay awake to read messages or play games.

Here are the dates: Tuesday, May 26: Snare, Quinter, Miller, Watkins, Webb, Mykut, and Mitchell’s Enrichment class will attend. Wednesday, May 27: Sowers, Buterbaugh, Vescovi, Good-man, Streightiff, and Sellers’ Enrichment classes will attend. Thursday, May 28: Mazurowski, Rygel, Shields, Klinger, Russo, and Smith’s Enrichment classes will attend. Friday, May 29: Uhrich, An-ders, Dickson,and Orenshaw’s Enrich-ment classes will attend .